APARTMENT ADVOCATE
NATIONAL APARTMENT ASSOCIATION
What The New Housing Law Means For The Rental Industry
Learn more about 12 key provisions in the law and what comes next.
BY NAA POLICY TEAM
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became law on July 11, 2026, marking an incredible victory for the rental housing industry and representing the largest federal action on housing policy in decades. In total, the new law contains dozens of provisions aimed at increasing housing supply, reducing regulatory barriers, modernizing federal housing programs and encouraging state and local governments to adopt policies that support new housing development.
Many of the law’ s housing provisions align with longstanding National Apartment Association( NAA) policy priorities and advocacy efforts, aimed at boosting housing supply, easing affordability challenges and improving the effectiveness of federal housing programs.
Below are some of the most significant provisions for the rental housing industry.
KEY NAA PRIORITIES
Sec. 107. Housing Supply Frameworks Act.
• What it does: Directs the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development( HUD) to research, develop and publish a set of nonbinding best practice recommendations and guidelines to assist state and local communities in adopting modern local and state zoning frameworks that support the production of adequate housing options at every income level.
• Why it matters: The zoning and land-use reforms outlined in the section would reduce barriers to rental housing development, including higher density allowances, increased by-right uses, reduced parking requirements, streamlined permitting processes, incentivized transit-oriented development and more.
42 | TRENDS AUGUST 2026 www. aamdhq. org